Burgundy Farm Country Day School is a progressive school on a pastoral 25-acre campus near Alexandria, Virginia, serving 270 children in junior kindergarten through 8th grade. Burgundy believes children learn best in an inclusive, creative and nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Our innovative, hands-on approach to education cultivates independent thinking, promotes academic excellence, instills respect for diversity, and teaches responsibility for self, for others, and for the natural world. For more information, visit www.burgundyfarm.org.

Position Requirements

This position requires being devoted to students’ overall and physical well being, growth and learning. The role also requires knowledge about lower and middle school physical education and the development of children, and planning a curriculum in keeping with the progressive mission, philosophy, and values of the School. Progressive education, as an example, values collaboration and teamwork and holistic wellness and a developmental approach to learning above benchmarks, competition, or preparation for competition.

The PE Teacher must be able to communicate well and in a timely fashion, be a positive role model, establish standards for fair play and sportsmanship, generate enthusiasm for fitness, and support the mission of the school, in addition to participating as a full team member of the PE department.

PE classes make use of our gymnasium, athletic fields, playgrounds, wooded campus, and heated outdoor pool. Many classes are team taught and students are taught in whole or half grade groups (approximately 15 or 30 students).

There are also ample opportunities to coach teams, typically including soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, and lacrosse, with others possible.

The qualified candidate will have:

• Ability and willingness to teach in person PE classes following our Covid-19 protocols and to teach PE remotely should we return to remote teaching mode during the year
• Genuine love of learning and desire to work with children as a facilitator of learning
• A degree with a major in Physical Education or related field
• Collaborative spirit and interest in team-teaching to create a joyful and purposeful learning environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to organize and manage a positive classroom grounded in a belief that all learning begins with attending to children’s developmental social and emotional needs
• Commitment to teaching to diverse learning styles and differentiated instruction
• Interest in outdoor, hands-on and environmental education
• Experience teaching swimming and ability to get lifeguard certification (certification will be required once hired)
• Experience managing a pool
• Willingness to coach teams

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Teach physical education (PE) classes to grades JK-8 according to a thoughtfully planned curriculum.
• Ensure that the PE curriculum is reflective of accepted standards, progressive educational philosophy, and current research regarding adolescent development.
  • Provide interesting and creative lessons to students of varying learning styles and athletic abilities, with exposure to a variety of fitness activities, games and sports that are accessible to a diverse set of students.
  • Create an environment that is conducive to safe play, good sportsmanship, and development of physical and emotional skills.
  • Maintain a focus on skill development and fun over competition.
• Prepare and develop lesson plans, participate in school duties, including curriculum development and accreditation study, and attend faculty meetings and curriculum nights.
• Write thoughtful reports that speak to specific aspects of students’ development.

Hours:

• Arrive by 8:00 a.m., depart after 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesday, when faculty meetings run until 5:00 p.m.
• The School is closed for most national holidays, as well as Winter and Spring Break.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salaries are based on a competitive independent school scale with increases for advanced degrees and experience; $2,000 step increase for master’s degree.
• Burgundy Farm Country Day School will contribute $7,600 each plan year to each full-time employee’s benefits bank and prorated for employees who work at a minimum 75% of full-time, via our Section 125 Cafeteria Plan. This benefit may be taken as payment toward the school’s medical/dental/vision plans; dependent care expenses, subject to an IRS imposed limits, or may be taken as after tax cash to be added to the monthly salary.
• Retirement plan with TIAA, with a 3% employer contribution for two years and then 6% employer contribution after two years, irrespective of employee contribution.
• A tuition benefit (1/2 discount) is offered for one qualified child attending Burgundy for children of 70% to full-time employees only. (Fac-staff children eligible for additional financial aid also.)

How to Apply: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Elizabeth Lener, Assistant Head of School/Lower School Head, hiring@burgundyfarm.org  - no phone calls please.

Burgundy Farm Country Day School actively maintains its commitment to equal opportunity for all employees. To fulfill this commitment, we recruit, hire, promote, and retain individuals in all job titles without regard to race, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, or disability.